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The Challenge
Malaysian passports require 35×50mm photos with white background—not blue (the old standard). Head must be 25–30mm with exactly 10mm margins top and bottom. Using blue background or wrong dimensions = rejection by Immigration Department. Professional photo services charge RM 40–60.
Malaysia passports now require WHITE background – not blue
- The old blue background requirement has been replaced with white
- Blue background photos WILL be rejected for passport applications
- White background is mandatory for all Malaysian passport applications since the current regulations
- If you need blue background for Employment Pass or work permit, use the Malaysia Visa & Work Pass Photo tool instead
Malaysian passport photo requirements
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen) requires 35×50mm photos with a white background for all Malaysian International Passport applications. At domestic Immigration offices, photos are captured using the Facial Live Capture tool and you typically do not need to bring photos. However, applications submitted through Malaysian Representative Offices abroad require physical photos. Children under 4 are encouraged to bring photos regardless. The photo must show your head measuring 25–30mm from chin to crown, with exactly 10mm of white space above the head and 10mm below the chin.
Malaysian passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×50mm dimensions (NOT 35×45mm – larger than EU standard)
- Pure white background – no blue, grey, cream, or off-white
- Head height 25–30mm from chin to top of head
- 10mm white space above head AND below chin (exact margins)
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible – no glasses or contact lenses
- Dark-coloured clothing covering shoulders and chest
- No headgear unless religious (hijab allowed if face fully visible)
- Hair must not cover forehead or ears
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- 827×1181 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
Common rejection reasons by Malaysian Immigration
- Using blue background instead of white (most common mistake)
- Head height outside 25–30mm range
- Margins not 10mm – head too close to top/bottom edge
- Wearing glasses or contact lenses (not permitted)
- Light-coloured clothing blending with white background
- Hair covering forehead or ears
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution or pixelated
- Smiling, open mouth, or tilted head
- Wearing non-religious headgear
Dress code – dark clothing is mandatory
Malaysian passport photos have a strict dress code. You must wear dark-coloured clothing (black, navy, or dark colours preferred) that covers your shoulders and chest. This ensures strong contrast against the white background. White, cream, or light-coloured clothing will cause rejection because your outline blends with the background. Uniforms are not permitted. A collared shirt or blouse in a solid dark colour is the safest choice. Avoid patterns, stripes, and shiny embellishments.
Glasses and contact lenses – NOT allowed
Unlike many countries that permit prescription glasses, Malaysia does not allow glasses OR contact lenses in passport photos. You must remove all eyewear before being photographed. There are no medical exemptions for this rule. If you normally wear glasses, ensure your face is clearly visible without them and that your eyes are fully open. Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses are also prohibited.
Good vs bad Malaysian passport photo examples
How to print Malaysia passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo paper (required). Available at Popular Bookstore, Mr DIY, Lazada, or Shopee.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 photos, or A4 for 6–8 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×50mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×50mm passport photo on matte paper'. Cost: RM 5–15.
- Note: Applications at domestic Immigration offices use Facial Live Capture – photos only needed for overseas embassy applications or children under 4.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Every child needs their own passport and photo, including newborns.
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket (background must be white).
- Use natural light from a window – avoid flash to prevent shadows.
- Photograph from directly above with face centred.
- Eyes should be open if possible, mouth closed.
- No toys, bottles, pacifiers, or other objects in frame.
- No other person's hands visible – support head from behind if needed.
- Dark clothing required even for babies – avoid white onesies.
- Parents can apply to change the child's photo after age 3.
- Take many shots – expect 15–20 attempts for one compliant photo.
Online passport application via MyIMMs
For online passport applications through MyIMMs (imigresen-online.imi.gov.my), the digital photo must be 413×591 pixels at 300 DPI, in JPEG format, between 100KB and 1MB file size. The MyIMMs system has a blue circle alignment tool where you must position your head within the circle—ears must be inside the circle. If the system shows 'PHOTO DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS', recheck head positioning and file size. This tool generates photos at 600 DPI which you can resize for online submission.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Malaysia
- Photo studio in KL/Penang/JB: RM 40–60 for passport photo set
- Post office photo service: RM 20–40
- Photo booth (automated): RM 10–20
- Borgerservice at Immigration: Facial Live Capture (included in fee)
- This tool: Free – print at home for RM 1–3 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Savings: RM 17–57 per application using DIY approach
Need blue background for Employment Pass or visa?
This tool is for Malaysian passports (white background). Employment Pass (EP), Dependant Pass, and certain visa applications through ESD/MYXpats require BLUE background photos with the same 35×50mm dimensions. Use the Malaysia Visa & Work Pass Photo tool for blue background photos.
Official Malaysian Government Resources
- Malaysian International Passport – Immigration Department Official passport application information from Jabatan Imigresen
- MyIMMs Online Passport Application Online passport renewal and application portal
- Passport Photo Specifications – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official photo specification PDF from KLN
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo (White Background)
Position Head Between Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×50 mm (3.5×5 cm)
- Resolution
- 827×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 25–30 mm (chin to top of head)
- Top/Bottom Margin
- 10 mm each (exact)
- Background
- White (mandatory – blue is rejected)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Photos Required
- 2 identical photos (3 for overseas applications)
- Valid For
- Malaysian International Passport
Best Practices
- Malaysia passports require WHITE background – blue background is the old standard and will be rejected
- 35×50mm is larger than EU standard 35×45mm – verify dimensions before printing
- Glasses AND contact lenses are NOT allowed – no medical exemptions
- Wear dark clothing (black/navy) covering shoulders and chest – mandatory for contrast
- Exact 10mm margins required above head and below chin
- Hair must not cover forehead or ears – pin hair back if needed
- Photos at domestic Immigration offices use Facial Live Capture – no physical photos needed
- For overseas embassy applications: bring 3 identical photos on matte paper
- For MyIMMs online: resize to 413×591 pixels, JPEG, 100KB–1MB
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Malaysia passport photo requirements?
Malaysian passport photos must be 35×50mm with pure white background. Head height 25–30mm from chin to crown with 10mm white space above and below. Dark clothing, no glasses or contact lenses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Matte photo paper for prints.
Is Malaysia passport photo white or blue background?
White. The old blue background requirement has been replaced. All current Malaysian passport applications require pure white background. Blue background photos will be rejected. Blue is still used for Employment Pass and certain work visa applications.
Can I wear glasses in Malaysia passport photo?
No. Malaysia does not allow glasses or contact lenses in passport photos. There are no medical exemptions. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.
What size is a Malaysian passport photo?
35×50mm (3.5×5cm). This is larger than the European standard 35×45mm and different from the US 2×2 inch format. Ensure correct dimensions – using wrong size will result in rejection.
Do I need to bring photos to the Immigration office?
For domestic applications at Immigration offices in Malaysia: typically no. Photos are taken using Facial Live Capture. However, children under 4 are encouraged to bring photos. For applications at Malaysian embassies abroad, you must bring 3 identical printed photos.
What clothing for Malaysia passport photo?
Dark-coloured clothing covering shoulders and chest is mandatory. Black, navy, or dark colours preferred. Avoid white, cream, or light colours as they blend with the white background. No uniforms, patterns, or shiny embellishments.
What's the digital size for MyIMMs online application?
413×591 pixels at 300 DPI, JPEG format, between 100KB and 1MB. The MyIMMs system validates your photo using a blue circle alignment tool. This tool generates 600 DPI photos that can be resized for online submission.
Can I use passport photo for Employment Pass application?
No. Malaysian passports require white background. Employment Pass applications through ESD/MYXpats require blue background. Same 35×50mm dimensions but different background colour. Use the correct photo for each document type.
How many photos needed for Malaysian passport?
Domestic applications: 2 identical photos (though Facial Live Capture is used at most offices). Overseas embassy applications: 3 identical photos. Children: photos required for under 4, optional but encouraged for others.
Where can I print Malaysia passport photos?
Print at home on matte paper (cheapest: RM 1–3 per sheet), at photo shops (RM 40–60 for professional set), photo booths (RM 10–20), or post offices (RM 20–40). Specify '35×50mm on matte paper' at print services.